I drive a tanker truck and most days am northbound on Hwy 2 into Edmonton.
I doubt if any drivers on our roads allow themselves a safe stopping distance — I rarely see one, as most vehicles who pass me promptly fill the space I need to stop even if there is no traffic following them in the fast lane.
The two second rule is counted as a slow “one and two and” or “one thousand and one, one thousand and two.” This actually fits the distance between light standards from Leduc to Gateway Park at 110km/h and Anthony Henday light standard distances on the west side of Edmonton at 100 km/h. In bad weather, you need more than one light’s distance between you and the car in front.
If I pull out for merging traffic, I am not returning to the slow lane until I am a safe distance in front of whatever is currently in that lane. If cars insist on passing me on the right then I can’t pull over, as I need a safe stopping distance in front and behind me. I am generally doing the speed limit, so when you pass me, you are speeding.
When I am in the fast lane and you cut between me and the vehicle I am about to pass, you are about one-quarter of my safe stopping distance away from my bumper.
Do you care about the safety of your family, or who will support them if you are killed because you were too close and I couldn’t stop?
At that distance, I probably don’t even have time to try to avoid you.
Please try doing the simple counting test next time you are behind the steering wheel.
Keep a safe stopping distance — always.
Mary Leighton
Ponoka